Latest: Governor: “deepest condolences” in crane collapse

April 28, 2019

SEATTLE (AP) — The Latest on a construction crane collapsed in downtown Seattle (all times local):

6:05 p.m.

Washington state Gov. Jay Inslee says he and his wife, Trudi, join all Washingtonians in extending deepest condolences to the family and friends of the four people who died when a crane collapsed in Seattle’s South Lake Union neighborhood.

Inslee said in a statement Saturday evening that he and Trudi are hoping for a full and speedy recovery for those who are injured. He thanked first responders and urged people to stay clear of the accident scene.

Seattle Fire Chief Harold Scoggins says the crane fell Saturday afternoon, crushing six cars. He says two crane operators and two people in separate cars had died by the time Seattle firefighters arrived.

He says three people -- including a mother and a baby girl -- were wounded and taken to a hospital. ___

5:10 p.m.

Seattle’s fire chief says the four people who died after a construction crane fell on a street include two crane operators and two people who were in cars below.

Fire Chief Harold Scoggins says the crane fell around 3:30 p.m., crushing six cars. He says three people -- including a mother and her child -- were wounded and taken to a hospital.

Susan Gregg, a spokeswoman for Harborview Medical Center, tells The Associated Press that a 25-year-old mother and a baby were being evaluated but their injuries were not considered life-threatening. Gregg says a 28-year-old man is also being evaluated for non-life-threatening injuries at the center.

Assistant Chief of Patrol Operations Eric Greening says all lanes may be closed until Sunday night.

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5 p.m.

Authorities say four people have died and three are hospitalized after a construction crane fell onto a street in downtown Seattle on Saturday.

The Seattle Fire Department said on Twitter that five cars were crushed by the crane.

The crane collapsed on Mercer Street near Interstate 5.

All lanes were closed, and motorists were told to avoid the area.

With Amazon and other tech companies increasing their hiring in Seattle, the city has dozens of construction cranes building office towers and apartment buildings. As of January there were about 60 construction cranes in Seattle, more than any other American city.

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4:45 p.m.

Authorities say four people have died after a construction crane fell onto a street in downtown Seattle on Saturday.

A spokesman from the Seattle Fire Department tells the Seattle Times that four people were dead by the time firefighters arrived. Others were transported to the hospital.

The crane collapsed on Mercer Street near Interstate 5.

All eastbound and westbound lanes were closed, and motorists were told to avoid the area.

With Amazon and other tech companies increasing their hiring in Seattle, the city has dozens of construction cranes building office towers and apartment buildings. As of January there were about 60 construction cranes in Seattle, more than any other American city.

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4 p.m.

A construction crane collapsed in downtown Seattle on Saturday, and initial reports indicate it damaged several cars.

The crane collapsed on Mercer Street near Interstate 5.

No word yet on any injuries.

The Seattle Times tweeted that several vehicles and a building were damaged.

Tweets from the scene showed the crane collapsed on the street, with vehicles stopped in the vicinity.

All eastbound and westbound lanes were closed, and motorists were told to avoid the area.

With Amazon and other tech companies increasing their hiring in Seattle, the city has dozens of construction cranes building office towers and apartment buildings. As of January there were about 60 construction cranes in Seattle, more than any other American city.